[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35939-35940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17528]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the White River Amphitheatre, Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, King 
County, WA

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent and public scoping notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs, with the cooperation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. 
Environmental

[[Page 35940]]

Protection Agency, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and Washington Department 
of Transportation, intends to gather the information necessary and 
prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed taking 
into federal trust of land for the construction of the Muckleshoot 
Indian Tribe's White River Amphitheatre. A description of the proposed 
project, location, and environmental considerations to be addressed in 
the EIS are provided in the Supplementary Information section. This 
notice also announces a public meeting to be held on the proposal and 
the preparation of the EIS.
    This notice is published in accordance with Section 1501.7 of the 
Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) 
implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and the 
Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1-6), and is in the exercise 
of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs by 
209 DM 8. The purpose of this notice is to obtain suggestions and 
information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues 
to be addressed in the EIS.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 24, 1998. The public 
scoping meeting will be held on July 15, 1998. We will consider all 
comments sent during the comment period, or submitted at the public 
scoping meeting.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Stanley Speaks, Area 
Director, Portland Area Office, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 
97232-4169. The public scoping meeting will be held at Green River 
Community College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 S.E. 320th Street, 
Auburn, Washington, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: June Boynton, Area Environmental 
Coordinator, 503-231-6749.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe intends to 
develop an amphitheatre on tribal property within the boundaries of the 
Muckleshoot Indian Reservation adjacent to Highway 164, about seven 
miles southeast of the City of Auburn in King County, Washington. The 
White River Amphitheatre Project will consist of a 20,000-seat 
amphitheatre plus parking for approximately 5900 cars, all on a 90-acre 
site. The amphitheatre will include fixed and lawn seating, a main 
stage, concessions, cafes, and various plantings surrounding the 
seating. The amphitheatre will be used for about 30 to 40 concert 
events per year (which will generate the greatest attendance) and 
community and cultural events such as Native American pow wows, dance 
performances, and children's events.
    The Tribe has recently requested that the BIA acquire the land upon 
which the amphitheatre is being built and hold that land in trust 
status on behalf of the Tribe. As a consequence, BIA must decide either 
to acquire the land or not acquire the land. With respect to possible 
BIA action, only the action and no action alternatives have so far been 
identified. Additionally, a federal district court ordered BIA to 
prepare an EIS with respect to the amphitheatre in United States ex 
rel. Citizens for Safety & Environment v. Bill Graham Enterprises, 
Inc., No. C97-1775C (W.D.Wash.) (order issued April 17, 1998). It has 
not been decided whether to appeal that decision.
    The EIS will address the project's effects on the environment. 
Issues identified include:
    <bullet> Traffic--concerns that traffic jams will result and that 
safety and emergency services will be compromised.
    <bullet> Noise--concerns that the sounds from the concerts will 
travel offsite and adversely affect surrounding residents, wildlife, 
and livestock.
    <bullet> Crime--concern that crimes, including alcohol and drug 
related ones, will increase in the vicinity of the amphitheatre.
    <bullet> Water quality--the primary concern is that runoff from the 
site will not be adequately controlled or cleaned up to prevent impact 
to the White River.
    <bullet> Wetlands--are wetland impacts minimized, accounted for, or 
mitigated?
    <bullet> Wildlife--are there unacceptable impacts on fish and 
wildlife and their habitats, including threatened or endangered 
species?
    <bullet> Slope stability--will the project affect the stability of 
the bluff above the White River and thereby affect other resources?
    <bullet> Sewage disposal--how will sewage from the site be handled?
    <bullet> Air quality--will traffic at the amphitheatre generate 
enough carbon monoxide to violate regional standards?
    <bullet> Land use--how will the project affect the rural character 
of the surrounding lands?
    <bullet> Socioeconomics--how will the project affect local 
businesses and property values?
    The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes that the Corps of Engineers 
has issued a public notice for a proposed wetland fill permit for the 
amphitheatre, has held a public hearing to receive comments, and has 
accepted numerous written comments concerning the Amphitheatre project. 
The issues and concerns received by the Corps of Engineers in comments 
on the project will be included as part of the scoping for this EIS.

    Dated: June 26, 1998.
Kevin Gover,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-17528 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am]
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